By KHT Staff. Photo via Ocean Affairs Council Coast Guard Administration.
PINGTUNG — Two tourists could face criminal charges after they were filmed touching a sea turtle off Xiaoliuqiu (小琉球), one of Taiwan’s best-known sea turtle habitats.
The Coast Guard said it received a report through the 118 hotline about tourists harassing a turtle near Vase Rock (花瓶岩).
Officers reviewed the video provided by witnesses and later found two men near the site. The case was referred to the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office for investigation under the Wildlife Conservation Act (野生動物保育法).
Sea turtles are commonly seen around Xiaoliuqiu, but visitors are not allowed to touch, feed, or disturb them.
Under the law, harassing protected wildlife can lead to up to one year in prison or detention, and a fine of up to NT$300,000.
Authorities urged people who see marine wildlife being harassed to record evidence and report it to the Coast Guard by calling 118.
